Nightlife

It’s not surprising that a city bursting with creativity gets even more interesting after dark. Santa Ana has you covered whether you’re looking for a memorable live music performance, a local brewery, or a friendly spot to enjoy a spicy Michelada.

Live Music

Anchored in the heart of Santa Ana’s historic district, The Yost has been a pillar of the downtown entertainment scene since 1912. Today, the venue serves as an elegant events space by day — and by nightfall from Friday through Sunday, the landmark building turns into a buzzy 18-and-over dance club. Dancers can vibe to a diverse lineup of talented DJs spinning live music in various genres ranging from reggaeton to banda, pop, and EDM. 

The Observatory OC is a large but intimate space offering stellar views from anywhere in the audience. This spot regularly hosts a lineup of fantastic live music artists—both well-known and on the rise—as well as a range of dance and performing arts competitions. 

Check out the calendar featuring live music events.

Breweries

Beer lovers will want to check out Santa Ana breweries, including the first of its kind in the city, Cerveza Cito Brewery, which offers something for every palate. Along with their assorted IPAs, they offer a popular Mexican lager. For those who are not hop fans, the brewery also crafts hard seltzers; consider trying one as a slushy. Located inside a downtown historic brick building, the brewery offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options. The relaxed spot hosts a regular lineup of engaging events like trivia nights and karaoke for brewery-goers.  

For hop-forward ales, craft beer lovers should check out the award-winning Santa Ana River Brewing.

Both breweries also serve the iconic Mexican cocktail, the Michelada, and can be found in the Santa Ana Michelada Guide. 

Bars

For those seeking a no-frills bar experience, head to Mission Bar, which prides itself on serving fair-priced, local craft beers (here, “happy hour” isn’t just for weekdays – it’s every day) in a welcoming setting. It feels like a friendly hometown dive bar filled with locals. When the DJ isn’t spinning tunes, bar-goers can use the jukebox to crank up the music while playing a friendly (but competitive) game of pool. 

Travel the world through Vacation Bar’s lineup of food and cocktails inspired by global destinations such as New York City, Spain, and Thailand. The bar setting cures your wanderlust with tropical-themed decor and lush indoor plants. 

Fun is on tap at Mission Control’s “barcade,” where you can play '80s vintage arcade games and choose from a fun tap list and video game-inspired cocktails such as the Pacman Sour. And don’t miss the Twisted Tiki, a hidden oasis in the McFadden Public Market. Try the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a drink, a tequila riff on the piña colada.